PITMAN, NJ --- Defending regular season champion TCNJ garnered six of the 10 possible first-place votes and has been predicted to win the 2025-26 NJAC Women's Basketball title, based on preseason polling of the conference's 10 head coaches.
Montclair State is predicted to finish runner-up this season with three first-place votes, while Rowan finished third overall in the preseason polling.
William Paterson, Stockton, and Rutgers-Camden are also predicted to finish in the top six and in the mix for a playoff spot. NJCU, Kean, Ramapo and Rutgers-Newark round out the predictions.
Rutgers-Camden was voted as this year's dark horse team to watch.
The season opens on Friday, Nov. 7.
The 2025-26 NJAC Women's Basketball Championship is slated for Feb. 21-27, 2026.
2025-26 NJAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
- TCNJ (6)
- Montclair State (3)
- Rowan
- William Paterson
- Stockton
- Rutgers-Camden (dark horse)
- NJCU (1)
- Kean
- Ramapo
- Rutgers-Newark
Kean
The Cougars face a challenge in replacing Co-Defensive Player of the Year Maddison Vaughn, who was a walking double-double machine with 13.0 points and a conference-best 10.1 rebounds per game. That's a massive void in the paint, and it comes as first-year head coach Tasha Pointer takes over the program. The good news? Senior Erika Mercedes proved she's ready for an expanded role, averaging 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and a stout 2.5 steals per game last season with her relentless two-way play. Junior Cara McCoy returns as the top offensive returner and will need to elevate her scoring to help fill Vaughn's production. If Mercedes can continue her defensive dominance and McCoy steps into a go-to scorer role, Kean has the pieces to surprise some teams and climb the standings under their new coach. The Cougars are hungry to prove themselves in the always competitive NJAC.
Newcomers to Watch: Rae McClarty (SR; G/F; Chapel Hill, NC/Young Harris College)
Head Coach Tasha Pointer: "We are extremely excited about the 2025-2026 season here at Kean. Each player is embracing the possibilities within their individual game, and we believe that growth will significantly enhance our team's overall performance this year."
Montclair State
The Red Hawks earned three first-place votes and return the reigning Coaching Staff of the Year along with one of the conference's most dynamic young stars. Sophomore Alyssa Craigwell burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion last year, capturing Rookie of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors while leading the entire NJAC in field goal percentage at a blistering 48.5%. The forward was a walking bucket, pouring in 15.8 points per game on high efficiency while also hauling down 5.8 rebounds. Defensively, senior Shannon Hughes brings the intensity and athleticism to anchor a Red Hawks squad that's hungry to dethrone TCNJ. With championship DNA embedded in the program and Craigwell's star continuing to rise, Montclair State has all the ingredients for a title run.
Newcomers to Watch: Bella Bruce (JR; G/F; Herndon, VA/Randolph-Macon), Celina Bussanich (FR; PG; Hillsdale, NJ/Pascack Valley HS)
Head Coach Karin Harvey: "Montclair State Women's Basketball enters the 2025-26 season with high energy and a renewed sense of purpose. The Red Hawks are focused on building strong chemistry as they blend a talented group of newcomers with a core of experienced returners. With a commitment to defense, discipline, and teamwork, the team is poised to make a strong statement in conference play."
NJCU
The Gothic Knights return juniors Natori Postell and Autumn John as the team's top two-way threats, providing both offensive firepower and defensive intensity that helped NJCU compete with the conference's best last season. Postell is the leading returning scorer at 9.0 points per game last year while John chipped in 8.0 per outing. John is the team’s leading returning rebounder after pulling down 6.6 boards per game last season. The Gothic Knights are bringing in one of the most intriguing newcomer classes in the NJAC, headlined by transfer talent from Division I and juco programs who could provide immediate impact. With one of the nation's toughest non-conference schedules preparing them for NJAC battles, NJCU has the experience and new talent to make a serious playoff push.
Newcomers to Watch: Meghan Gentile (SO; G/F; Roseland, NJ/Eastern Michigan University), Jhava Wilson (JR; PG; Trenton, NJ/Mercer County Community College), Bailey Cassell (SR; G; Palmdale, CA/University of Antelope Valley), Isabel Gidado (FR; F; Fords, NJ/Colonia), Melanie Jimenez (FR; G; New York, NY/Inwood Academy for Leadership)
Head Coach Pat Devaney: "We are expecting a productive year with one of the toughest schedules in the country, playing some of the best in the nation in our independent games while also looking for another championship run."
Ramapo
The Roadrunners are in full rebuild mode with a youth movement that could pay dividends down the road. Junior Lauren Flatt and sophomore Jocelyn Huancaya return to provide offensive stability, with Flatt pulling down 6.1 rebounds per game last year, and Huancaya adding veteran savvy with 1.6 steals per contest. Defensively, sophomores Emma Cartwright and Anglene Mattingly bring the toughness and shot-blocking presence to keep games competitive. The freshman-heavy roster that will look to get the newcomers to quickly gel and adjust to the college game. If even a few of the rookies can contribute immediately, Ramapo could shock some teams and make that playoff push.
Newcomers to Watch: Denay Jones (FR; G; Rockaway, NJ/Morris Knolls), Ava Burke (FR; C; River Vale, NJ/Pascack Valley), Vanessa Kohler (FR; F; Highland Park, NJ/Highland Park), Stella Sweeney (FR; G; South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield), Ariana Madrid (FR; G; Union City, NJ/Jose Marti Stem Academy), Angelika Quadrino (FR; G; Chester, NY/Warwick Valley), Jayda Sharp (FR; C; North Brunswick, NJ/North Brunswick)
Head Coach Mike Eineker: "We are very young with an influx of freshmen who will look to contribute immediately. The coaching staff is eager to see if this group can make a run for an NJAC playoff spot."
Rowan
The Profs bring back a battle-tested backcourt led by guards Charlotte Carlies, Haley Selmer, and point guard Jess McLaughlin, who combined to provide steady veteran leadership throughout last season. Carlies showcased her versatility on both ends, averaging 5.7 rebounds while swatting 1.3 shots per game, making her a legitimate two-way threat. The addition of promising newcomers gives Rowan the perfect blend of experienced players who know what it takes to win in the NJAC and hungry young talent eager to make their mark. With depth at the guard position and defensive tenacity anchored by Carlies and Abby Jazmin, the Profs have the pieces to make noise in a loaded conference race.
Newcomers to Watch: Megan Donelson (FR; G; Pilesgrove, NJ/Woodstown), Ava Kraybill (FR; G; Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Egg Harbor Twp.)
Head Coach Kate Pearson: "We enter the 2025-2026 season with a blend of battle-tested players and a solid group of newcomers. By mixing our youthful energy with strong leadership from our returners, I am excited to see this team grow and compete at a high level each night and contend for an NJAC title."
Rutgers-Camden
Beware the Scarlet Raptors—tabbed as this season's dark horse for good reason. Sophomore Hope Goodwine orchestrates the offense after averaging 9.7 points and 3.6 assists per game last season, showcasing her ability to both score and set up teammates. The real engine, however, is sophomore Courtney Edmundo, a do-it-all forward who nearly posted a double-double last year with 10.6 points and 8.7 rebounds while adding 2.2 assists and playing stellar defense. Edmundo's versatility and Goodwine's court vision give Rutgers-Camden a dynamic one-two punch that could surprise teams sleeping on their sixth-place preseason ranking. With playoff aspirations and nothing to lose, the Raptors could be the team nobody wants to face come February.
Newcomers to Watch: Gaby Toledo (JR; G; Wellington, FL/Palm Beach State), Tamea El (JR; C; East Brunswick, NJ/Goldey Beacom College)
Head Coach James Boney: "We are excited for a new season. We are focusing on earning our invitation to the playoffs."
Rutgers-Newark
The Scarlet Raiders understand the uphill battle ahead, but they're embracing the underdog role with a core group that gained valuable experience last season. The offensive attack runs through junior Arlenny Medina (7.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and senior Quanajah Felder (7.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg). Defensively, senior Raihanna Abdus-Salaam does double duty on both ends with 6.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while senior Sanaa Brodie (7.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) adds toughness and versatility. The Scarlet Raiders are looking to pull off a few upsets and continue developing their young talent, while potentially playing spoiler in the playoff race.
Newcomers to Watch: Imani Mckenzie (FR; G; Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck)
Head Coach Stacey Townsend: "[We are] really looking forward to the competition the NJAC brings and our team really rising to the level we are capable of playing at."
Stockton
The Ospreys possess one of the NJAC's premier interior forces in senior center Grace Speer, who earned Second Team All-Conference honors after dominating the paint with 13.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Speer's efficiency was equally impressive, converting 77.1% from the charity stripe to keep opposing defenses honest. Senior guard Imene Fathi complements Speer's inside prowess with her playmaking ability, dishing out 4.1 assists per game while also contributing 9.3 points. Defensively, Speer's shot-blocking presence combines with senior Lauren Winant's rebounding savvy to give Stockton a formidable frontcourt. With an even split of eight newcomers and eight returners, the Ospreys have the potential to exceed expectations if the pieces mesh quickly.
Newcomers to Watch: Saafiyah Wilson (FR; G; Phillipsburg, NJ/Phillipsburg HS), Bre Evans (FR; G; Neptune, NJ/Neptune), Riley Fitzpatrick (FR; G; Barnegat, NJ/Barnegat), Zemirah Enalls (FR; F; Barnegat, NJ/Barnegat), Madisyn McNair (FR; PG; Hackensack, NJ/Hackensack)
Head Coach Devin Jefferson: "I'm excited to coach this team this year. I have eight new players and eight returners, so it's been fun watching the blend of both young and senior experiences. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together during our NJAC play."
TCNJ
The Lions enter the season as overwhelming favorites to defend their conference crown after dominating the 2024-25 campaign with three All-Conference selections, including Player of the Year Nina Branchizio. While Branchizio has moved on, the cupboard is far from bare. Junior guard Grace Kowalski returns as the top offensive weapon after earning Second Team All-Conference honors, dropping 12.4 points per game while knocking down 39 triples and swiping 2.2 steals per contest. Defensively, senior Katie Fricker provides reliability and clutch shooting, converting an impressive 86.9% from the charity stripe on 73 attempts last season. With a proven championship core and fresh talent ready to step up, the Lions have their sights set on another NJAC title and an NCAA tournament berth.
Newcomers to Watch: Riley Ahrens (JR; F; Delran, NJ/Kean), Izzy Augustine (FR; G; Ewing, NJ/The Pennington School)
Head Coach Chessie Jackson: "With a core group of experienced returners combined with a strong group of rookies, our squad is looking to repeat a winning season and compete for a trip to the NCAA tournament. We are working hard to bring our youth along quickly, and our upperclass players are leading by example. I am confident in this group's abilities this season, and I am eager to see how we can compete against a tough non-conference schedule. Go Lions!"
William Paterson
Don't sleep on the Pioneers, who return one of the conference's most complete players in senior Renee Wells. The versatile forward stuffed the stat sheet last season with 13.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting a solid 37.3% from the floor, proving she can impact winning in multiple ways. Senior Patty Walsh provides the defensive muscle and interior presence, averaging 1.3 blocks and 4.2 boards per contest to complement Wells' all-around excellence. Despite losing several key contributors from last year's successful campaign, William Paterson's experienced core gives them confidence they can not only match but exceed last season's achievements in the ultra-competitive NJAC.
Newcomers to Watch: Megan Sears (GR; F; Oakland, NJ/Stockton – played softball and volleyball)
Head Coach Erin Monahan: "Despite graduating several key pieces from last year's team, we are looking forward to leaning on the experience and work ethic of our very talented returning core group. This year will be exciting as we look at build on the successes of last season. We are excited to grow together and looking forward to the competitive play of the NJAC."